The general, and maybe specific if you talk to a few hosting companies, rule on spam is that you get one shot at unsolicited email and you should put instructions on there to opt out. If you don't opt out, you are not being spammed. If they don't offer a way to not get any more emails, and they email again, they are a spammer.

This does not hold for email sent by bots and virus spammers, etc. But that stuff will usually get caught by diligent anti-spam filters and you should know the difference.

These are examples of unsolicited emails, but that does not equal spam, yet.
_________________Announcing Swank Pad and Crazy Al's Molokai Maiden!

You're welcome Grog. Because I like you, here's a couple more. These two are my favorites from the selection appearing in the email solicitation. The second one is a bit out of focus, but one sees the expertise in the medium this artist had, really good stuff.

Some of the other subject matter, American Indians and animals, are done just as well, but are not as interesting to me. The two above are very similar to the one that sold on eBay a while ago. I think it went for more than a grand. The wahine pieces with tikis will be popular, but I balked at the seller's pricing structure.

I apologize I am guilty of this infraction as well. I honestly never thought of it as "Spamming".

I have been a member of TC since 2003 have met many of of the TC Ohana and have sold hundreds of pieces to them. I don't have the time to post much anymore and thought I would reach some of the newer members.

As Swanky said I did put an unsubscribe opt on the email. A lot of the members of TC are already on my mailing list anyhow. I had three people unsubscribe and at the same time I made many new contacts.

No one had a real problem with this email but one person. His nice email goes against all that the TC family and the Aloha Spirit is about in my opinion.

Midnight - I put my email address on TC so my mates like Rodeo can email pics of his mates mini truck he just painted, that he doesnt want to share with everyone on TC, or other similar personal emails.

I dont know why you're attacking me personally, I never abused or threatened you. I just disagreed with what you said.

I can handle getting a similar email from Flounder because:
1 - Unsubscribe option
2 - I already am familiar with him and his work. I know hes not just profit focused - hes a tiki nut just like us, with an established TC record etc.
2 - I have commented favourably a number of times on Flounders art. I can understand him thinking "hewey likes my art, but has commented on how he wishes he could afford one. I will email him to let him know I have some more budget prints"

This other guy did none of this. Thats the difference. And even then, I didnt send him an abusive email calling him lower than shit.
_________________www.kustomkultureaustralia.com

Cheers to you, Grog. I have been dismayed at the wanton personal insults hurled at me on this thread and through other means. It has been quite disappointing to say the least. I must admit my first reaction was to take this up with a higher authority. Perhaps, even, to show these negative nabobs exactly with whom they are dealing, i.e The Koalaman. Then, in a moment of mature reflection, I revisited the works by this fine artist and found inspiration to ignore their not so veiled threats and derogatory comments.

This fine representation of a Native Indian made me realize I will be the better man, I will not respond to their harmful comments and personal affronts. I will, like this peaceful Indian, turn the other cheek and offer the pipe of peace. Then I thought, "No!" You can take my dignity, but you're not going to bogart my best stuff, then insult my heritage and good manners. I will fight, and try to get back Manhattan, those fakockta beads they gave my people ain't worth crap.

Yet, once again, like the music that soothes the savage bewbie, this glorious art again showed me the way. As in, think of that higher power, consider what his wisdom would bring to this situation. How would "He" respond? Yes, I asked myself what would "He" do, and all I could answer was: forgive their transgressions, for they know not what they do. His guiding light shall be my steward through these tough times, he will be a beacon of righteousness and fine cocktails:

Oh Shit! That's supposed to be a picture of The Jab, not Jesus. Hardly recognized him without his signature glasses. The Jab, not the Saviour. You know, I was wondering why Dean was glowing and all. Plus, The Jab has much better clothes.